Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
Fall in love with 6 of the most charming small towns in Alabama
The summer travel season is officially on the wind-down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore historic, unique and charming small towns all across the state.
We’re bringing you six of our favorites to start, but a part two is never out of the question.
Fairhope | Baldwin Co.
Founded as a “single tax” colony all the way back in 1908, the founders of Fairhope marched to the beat of their own drum—something Fairhopians today still do.
The artist’s enclave on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay (also just called the Eastern Shore) is home to a lively, walkable downtown area full of local businesses, Southern-inspired boutiques, artisanal cooking ingredients and more.
Fairhope also makes great use of its waterfront areas. Take a stroll down Fairhope Pier and catch a sunset over the sparkling bay or mozy your way along the blufftops and see a view you can’t get anywhere else—even from the other side of the bay.
Planning a trip to Fairhope soon? Check out these stories:
- National publications love Fairhope’s Sunset Pointe—and you will, too
- Your guide to the perfect day in downtown Fairhope on a budget)
- This coastal Alabama golf course is one of the best for women
- What is a jubilee + why do coastal Alabamians love them?
Mentone | DeKalb Co.
Mentone is a mountaintop hamlet with a population of around 300 people. But there’s no shortage of positively stunning views, babbling streams and interesting history.
The natural mineral spring that runs through the town is said to have magical healing properties, which is why a resort was built there in the 1880s, to get folks closer to that magical healing water.
Its claim to fame these days is hosting the one and only ski resort in the state. Oh, and the nationally-renowned Wildflower Cafè.
Heading to the mountains soon? You’ll want to read these first:
- One of the best mountain towns in the South is in Alabama
- 4 unique cooking classes to try around Alabama—Mobile, Birmingham + more
- Where are Alabama’s quirkiest towns? World Atlas found them and told us why
- WorldAtlas names Alabama’s best small towns for outdoor enthusiasts
Magnolia Springs | Baldwin Co.
If you frequent Alabama’s beaches, you’ve likely driven right past Magnolia Springs without even noticing it. Well, I’m here to tell you to turn that car around and go see this sleepy little idyllic town.
The “town center” consists of three buildings—a restaurant, a church and a community center—all situated well within walking distance of one another. Oak canopies drench streets in much-needed shade, and mail is delivered here by boat (the only place in the contiguous U.S.!).
You’ll want to stop at Jesse’s Restaurant for a bite—they’re known as the “best-kept secret in the South.”
Visiting Magnolia Springs soon? Check out these highlights:
- SMALL TOWNS: 3 things to love about Magnolia Springs
- WorldAtlas names 8 most scenic road trips in Alabama
- DINNER + A VIEW: 11 stunning waterfront restaurants in AL
Athens | Limestone Co.
Athens has quite a few feathers in its cap—it’s the hometown of three governors, hosts the oldest higher education institution in the state and is home to the first nuclear power plant in the state.
Founded just a year before Alabama joined the Union in 1818, Athens was a longtime agricultural community before and after the Civil War. The war-torn area bounced back by diversifying its economy after the war and embracing the railroad as a driver for prosperity.
Nowadays, Athens is known for being a great weekend respite spot for tired aerospace engineers from neighboring Madison County—and for its adorable downtown area, The Square.
Headed to Athens soon? Read these first:
- Keith Urban plays surprise show at Athens Buc-ee’s
- Experience the nostalgia at UG White Mercantile in Athens
- Your guide to Irons & Ales — Athens’ new golf bar
- Your guide to good eats + sweet treats on the square in Athens
Fort Payne | DeKalb Co.
Known as the “sock capital of the world”, Fort Payne is easily one of the most picturesque towns in the state. Rich, natural iron deposits made the area a hotspot for industry in the late 19th century. When those dried up and were no longer profitable, a garment production facility filled the role, reinvigorating an economy that had all but collapsed.
Today, the area is known for the truly stunning DeSoto State Park. From a waterfall to challenging rock climbing routes, the park is home to wonders for every nature enthusiast.
Check out some previous stories on Fort Payne before heading to the mountains:
- GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH: 5 state parks we love [PHOTOS]
- This Alabama town was named one of the most overlooked in the South by World Atlas
- 17 Alabama communities are accredited by Main Street America for 2023. Can you name them?
Tuscumbia | Colbert Co.
Want to step into a bit of U.S. history? Pay a visit to Helen Keller’s hometown, Tuscumbia. It was in this Shoals-area town that Keller’s tutor, Anne Sullivan taught the blind and deaf woman to communicate—an event so monumental, the town still hosts a yearly festival, including live performances of “The Miracle Worker,” a play written about Sullian’s time with Keller.
The town is home to quite a bit of preserved history—it’s believed to have the largest concentration of still-standing historic, middle-class homes in the state.
Between the historic homes and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame—you’re sure to find a thread of history you’ll want to explore in Tuscumbia.
Check out these stories on Tuscumbia before planning your trip:
- 4 reasons you should visit Tuscumbia this summer
- 7 of the most unique museums across Alabama
- These are the 7 oldest and best towns in Alabama according to World Atlas
- 9 Alabama women who changed the world, including the first African-American woman in space
Which small town in Alabama do you think is the most charming? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Psst—if you subscribe to our FREE newsletter, we’ll bring more like this right to your inbox.